A Walk in the Woods

By Bill Bryson

A Walk in the Woods Bill Bryson Book Review Score: ★★★★★ 5/5 stars

A CLASSIC FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ONE SUMMER

Back in America after twenty years in Britain, Bill Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine. The AT offers an astonishing landscape of silent forests and sparkling lakes—and to a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, it also provides endless opportunities to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings.

For a start there's the gloriously out-of-shape Stephen Katz, a buddy from Iowa along for the walk. Despite Katz's overwhelming desire to find cozy restaurants, he and Bryson eventually settle into their stride, and while on the trail they meet a bizarre assortment of hilarious characters. But A Walk in the Woods is more than just a laugh-out-loud hike. Bryson's acute eye is a wise witness to this beautiful but fragile trail, and as he tells its fascinating history, he makes a moving plea for the conservation of America's last great wilderness. An adventure, a comedy, and a celebration, A Walk in the Woods has become a modern classic of travel literature.

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User reviews about this book

Disappointed

1

By LambertM

Very disappointed. I agree with another reviewer in saying that it was difficult to finish after you realize he gave up. Not worth my money.

The Best Book You Will Ever Read

5

By RedRoseAlways

I am still laughing at Bryson's witty, hilarious description of moose!!!! Best book ever. Period. As always, Bryson always writes the most informative, fact filled, entertaining book on the market.

Waste of time

1

By Jenx7

You wouldn't let a stranger speak to you for an hour about his weak attempt to hike the trail. Don't waste time with this essay.

Walk in the Woods

5

By Resq449

Humorous, thought provoking, and delightfully descriptive. I could almost feel blisters popping up on my feet, or the strain of a heavy pack. The crisp clean smell of forests and wooded streams and facts were blended into am armchair adventure for all ages.

A Walk in the Woods

5

By garyfromboston

A great mix of humor and history.

This book is terrible.

1

By TD85936

I am ashamed I paid for this. What a waste of money.

Tedious

2

By Mont Joi

Rather boring and uninspiring. I kept waiting for the exciting part to take place, but it never transpired.

A very enjoyable read

5

By lilyperiwinkle

I really enjoyed this, very humorous!

Dull

2

By Vike99

Started out ok but could not finish it when i realized neither would the author. Appropriate title - just a walk in the woods.

I enjoyed it.. Mostly

4

By SaneNoMore

With some laugh-out-loud moments and interesting people, there is plenty to make this a book worth reading. Some historical information seemed to drag on for me and "Katz" throwing gear and garbage on the trail made me truly mad, but the humor was a highlight and the information about our Park Services Department was eye opening.
Unlike some trail stories this one does not make it seem like everyone you meet is a saint and truthfully some of the least friendly people introduced provide some of the most enjoyable parts to read.
This is one book that clearly discusses the difficulties, the discomfort and the physical hardships of such an undertaking as hiking the AT. For that reason alone anyone planning on doing it should take time to read it.